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Mumps immunisation service

Mumps vaccines are given as a needle and are only available as a combination vaccine. They can be provided by a variety of recognised immunisation providers. If you're eligible, you can get the mumps vaccine for free under the National Immunisation Program (NIP).

Why get immunised against mumps?

Mumps is a viral disease that causes swollen salivary glands and high fever. It can sometimes cause hearing loss, miscarriage or brain swelling.

Vaccination is a safe and effective way to protect you from mumps.

By getting vaccinated against mumps, you can also help protect other people, especially people who are too sick or too young to be vaccinated. The more people who are vaccinated in your community, the less likely the disease will spread.

Who should get immunised against mumps?

Anyone who wants to protect themselves against mumps can talk to their doctor about getting immunised.

anyone born during or since 1966 and has not had 2 doses of mumps vaccine.

People under 20 years old, and refugees and other humanitarian entrants of any age, can get mumps vaccines for free under the NIP. This is if they did not receive the vaccines in childhood. This is called catch-up vaccination.

Where can you get a mumps immunisation?

Mumps immunisations are available in each Australian state and territory.

How do you get immunised against mumps?

Your doctor can tell you which vaccine they will use for your mumps immunisation.

Do I need to pay for mumps immunisation?

Vaccines covered by the NIP are free for people who are eligible. See the NIP Schedule to find out which vaccines you or your family are eligible to receive.

Eligible people get the vaccine for free, but your health care provider (for example, your doctor) may charge a consultation fee for the visit. You can check this when you make your appointment.

If you are not eligible for free vaccine, you may need to pay for it. The cost depends on the type of vaccine, the formula and where you buy it from. Your immunisation provider can give you more information.

What are the possible side effects of mumps immunisation?

All medicines and vaccines can have side effects. Sometimes they are serious, most of the time they’re not.

For most people, the chance of having a serious side effect from a vaccine is much lower than the chance of serious harm if you caught the disease.

Talk to your doctor about possible side effects of mumps vaccines, or if you or your child have possible side effects that worry you.